Vodafone mobiles, masts and health
International guidelines ensure that all mobile devices and their base stations operate within strict radio frequency (RF) exposure limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These guidelines have a substantial safety margin built into them and are the basis for ensuring our technology is safe.
As a responsible company, Vodafone fully complies with the international guidelines and requires its manufacturers and suppliers the same behaviour. All phones and devices sold by Vodafone; and all base stations operated by Vodafone, are designed to comply fully with ICNIRP guidelines.
Mobiles
SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) is the accepted international measure of exposure to electromagnetic fields, and the SAR value determined under standardised test conditions for a particular mobile is provided in the product safety information when it is bought. Many manufacturers also make this information available on their own website or the Mobile Manufacturers Forum website.
The International Commission for Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines recommend a maximum SAR value of 2W/kg for a mobile. All mobiles operating below this level are considered safe to use.
Some countries have adopted slightly different SAR limits, that is why mobiles are tested to ensure compliance with the SAR limit for the countries where they are sold. Vodafone requires its manufacturers to test the amount of energy from a radio frequency (RF) field absorbed by the human body – the specific absorption rate (SAR) of mobile devices – when used against the ear or near the body.
The International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC) standard for testing mobile device use close to the body was published in April 2010, but has not yet been incorporated into EU Regulations. We have been actively advocating its adoption at a European level. Until this happens, we will continue to require testing using the FCC methodology.